Countdown to Basel: EURO 2025 Showdown

By Westcoast German News | July 21, 2025 | Geneva & Zurich
Subscription to WBN and being a Writer is FREE!

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 semi-final stage is officially locked in—and what a final four it is. After a whirlwind of intense battles, clutch penalties, and breakout moments, football fans across Europe now turn their attention to Switzerland’s host cities of Geneva and Zurich, where four footballing powerhouses—England, Italy, Germany, and Spain—will fight for a place in the grand final this Sunday, July 27, in Basel.

🏟 SEMI-FINAL LINEUP

Tuesday, July 22 – Geneva (21:00 CET):
England 🇬🇧 vs Italy 🇮🇹

Wednesday, July 23 – Zurich (21:00 CET):
Germany 🇩🇪 vs Spain 🇪🇸

🇬🇧 England: Holders Eye Back-to-Back Glory

England, the reigning champions, return to the semis after a heart-racing 2-2 draw and penalty shootout win over Sweden. Sarina Wiegman’s squad, loaded with firepower and tactical depth, continues to prove they’re more than just hosts-turned-champions.

With Alessia Russo leading as top scorer and Lauren Hemp hitting stride, England bounced back from an early loss to France to obliterate Wales (6-1) and dominate the Dutch (4-0). Their resilience was on full display in the quarter-finals, coming back from 0-2 to force extra time before winning 3-2 on penalties.

Key Stat: Wiegman has reached every major final she’s managed since 2017 (with both the Netherlands and England).

🇮🇹 Italy: The Cinderella Comeback

Italy stunned Norway 2-1 in Geneva, with Cristiana Girelli delivering a dramatic double—her second in the 90th minute—to send the Azzurre to their first semi-final since 1997.

Under coach Andrea Soncin, Italy’s road has been anything but easy. They edged Belgium and held Portugal to a draw before falling to Spain in the group stage. Yet, they’ve rediscovered their defensive form and are riding a wave of momentum.

Key Fact: Italy’s victory over Norway marked only their second knockout win in a major tournament since 1997.

Player to Watch: Manuela Giugliano – the midfield engine with 3 tournament goals and unmatched playmaking vision.

🇩🇪 Germany: Europe's Elite Still Dominant

Germany—record 8-time EURO champions—once again prove that legacy counts. Their nerve-wracking quarter-final against France, where they triumphed 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, showed nerves of steel and clinical finishing.

Boasting Lea Schüller, the competition’s current top scorer with 6 goals, Germany breezed through their group but did stumble against Sweden in a 4-1 loss. However, as always, Germany bounced back with their signature focus, adding another semi-final to their astonishing record 11th appearance.

Key Stat: Germany have never lost to Spain in 8 meetings (W5 D3), outscoring them 18-3.

🇪🇸 Spain: Reigning World Champions Break New Ground

Spain enters their first-ever Women's EURO semi-final, riding high after a convincing 2-0 quarter-final win over hosts Switzerland. Goals from Athenea and Claudia Pina sealed the deal in Bern.

Coach Montse Tomé’s team, the current World Cup and Nations League champions, has been an offensive juggernaut—scoring 14 goals in the group stage, matching England's 2022 record. Esther González and Alexia Putellas continue to be creative threats, while a confident back line has helped Spain finally shed the “nearly-there” label.

Key Fact: Spain’s five-goal tallies in their first two group matches set a new EURO record.

🔥 Basel Awaits: Final Set for Sunday

As Europe’s best battle it out in Geneva and Zurich, all eyes will be on Basel this Sunday, July 27 at 18:00 CET, where history will be written. Will England defend their crown? Can Spain complete their rise from promising upstarts to continental champions? Will Germany reclaim their dynasty? Or will Italy’s unexpected run bring a fairytale finish?

Whatever the outcome, Women’s EURO 2025 is delivering one of the most electrifying editions to date—with Switzerland the perfect stage for Europe’s fiercest football drama.

📣 Who will lift the trophy in Basel?

Follow the action across all platforms and join the global conversation with:

#WEURO 2025 #Basel Final #Road To Basel #Womens Football #Football Unites #UEFA Women #Westcoast German News #Elke Porter

📝 Written by Elke Porter | Westcoast German News
📍 Reporting from Vancouver with updates from Geneva, Zurich & Basel

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788. Public Relations. Communications. Education.